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Ette provides couture wedding gown alterations, vintage wedding gown revamping, bespoke services, and accessories, all perfectly tailored to fit your body and style. Their inclusive approach to wedding style means that all brides are welcome, and their knowledgeable and highly skilled fitters and tailors are waiting to help in a modern environment to make the alterations process simple and enjoyable. Ette believes that every bride is unique and deserves to be treated to a personal tailoring experience—luxurious but never fussy.

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Black Owned Business Spotlight: Ette the Wedding Tailor

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Jevon Carter helped 10 families prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday with a grocery shopping trip to Jewel-Osco. The Bulls, Jewel-Osco and Jevon Carter’s Treadmill Mentality Foundation partnered with Featherfist, a non-profit dedicated to ending homelessness in Chicago, to identify families in need.

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Jevon Carter helps 10 local Chicago families with a $500 grocery shopping trip

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Bulls.com

Chicago Bull Jevon Carter continues to spread cheer throughout the season of giving.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week, he delivered 250 coats to students at a local elementary school. This past weekend, he helped 10 families prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday with a grocery shopping trip to Jewel-Osco.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For some Chicagoland families, the holidays can be more of a financial burden than a joyful season - a time when extra support is essential. The Bulls, Jewel-Osco and Jevon Carter’s Treadmill Mentality Foundation partnered with Featherfist, a non-profit dedicated to ending homelessness in Chicago, to identify families in need. Each family received a $500 gift card to Jewel-Osco.

“Our goal was to help families in need and minimize their worry or stress throughout the rest of the year and holiday season,” said Carter. “Growing up in Chicago, it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of – coming back to play for the Bulls and now being in a position where I can give back and show them that there's someone that looks just like them and encourage them to keep dreaming. I love being able to give back to the community and connecting with the families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Carter connected with each family while bagging groceries, helped families pick out their items and even surprised each family with an additional Jewel-Osco gift card, furthering their commitment to offering community support beyond this event.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Featherfist has been working to end homelessness in Chicago since 1984. Featherfist assists homeless individuals, veterans, families and others in need in discovering the “power & purpose” to change their lives. Through resources such as stable housing, case management, training and connection to benefits, Featherfirst guides those in need toward self-sufficiency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Together, Featherfist, the Treadmill Mentality Foundation, the Bulls and Jewel-Osco believe in community investment by providing those in need with access to more resources and opportunities that encourage a safe space for all. Providing families with a shopping trip in preparation for the holidays allows them to spend time together without worrying about where their next meal is coming from. The program aligns with the Chicago Bulls ongoing commitment to preventing community violence through education, community investment, health and wellness and opportunity access.&nbsp;

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Chicago Bulls, Featherfist and Jewel-Osco Host Grocery Shopping Trip for 10 Families Ahead of the Holidays 

Bulls guard Coby White joined local nonprofit After School Matters (ASM) to host a beat battle competition for five Advanced Music Production students with special guest judges Chicago Producer Thelonious Martin and DJ Flipside. Students competed to win music equipment and the chance to have their beats used for Bulls highlight mixtapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Students spent the evening with White, listening to beats that they spent weeks producing prior to the beat battle. The event showcased much more than talented musicians and captured the connectivity and healing produced by music.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This program is important to me because I love music and always want to use my platform to give back to the community and help youth,” said Coby White. “It’s been an amazing experience getting to know the kids, seeing the bright futures that they all have and the talent they have been blessed with.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

By partnering with organizations such as ASM, the Bulls and its players can interact with students on a deeper level, encouraging them to develop career goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The partnership with the Bulls and this beat battle competition have been helpful in showcasing what my students have been doing in class and offering them the opportunity to advance,” said After School Matters NU Sound Studio Instructor Hondo Lawrence. “The city has a lot of resources and if you build connections with the right people, the youth can get more out of this program. The Bulls have a lot of resources to be able to make this event happen, so it’s been a beautiful experience.”&nbsp;

Together, White, ASM and the Bulls believe that education and opportunity access are crucial in youth success and life development. By investing in the community and providing ASM participants with access to opportunities that they may not receive elsewhere, the participants are reminded that a bright future is ahead. The collaboration between White and ASM aligns with the Chicago Bulls ongoing commitment to preventing community violence through education, community investment, health and wellness and opportunity access.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We know that when youth have a vision of their future and something to dream about, they're less likely to get involved in community violence,” said Adrienne Scherenzel, vice president of community engagement for the Bulls. “This specific music program with After School Matters is great because it gives them a challenge to learn new skills and provides the students with an outlet to express themselves.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Founded in 1991, ASM is a local nonprofit that provides 19,000 Chicagoland teens with paid opportunities to enhance professional development and experience. With the help of community-based organizations and independent instructors, ASM encourages teens to discover their passions, develop life-long skills and create meaningful relationships. Students engage in programs relating to the arts, communications, sports, STEM and more, earning financial stipends for participation. In 2022 alone, ASM offered 1,635 opportunities for 24,678 teens at 338 program sites across Chicago in collaboration with 169 community partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Battle like a Bull: Music Beat Edition 

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Andre Drummond and Benny visited patients at Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge

In preparation for a Chicago winter, founders of Treadmill Mentality Foundation Jevon Carter and Taylor Houston partnered with Enchanted Backpack to provide 250 Roswell B. Mason Elementary School students with winter necessities such as coats, hats and gloves. In addition to the contributions from the Treadmill Mentality Foundation, the Chicago Bulls have donated 250 beanies, ensuring that each student is prepared for the upcoming winter months, and Enchanted Backpack provided essential school supplies, books, athletic equipment and art supplies as a part of its Mobile Van Program, marking Roswell B. Mason the 312th school they have partnered with in the Chicagoland area.

Enchanted Backpack along with Carter, Houston and Benny The Bull spent the morning helping students find the perfect winter accessories. Students connected with Carter, a Chicago native, to learn about the importance of community and why he chooses to give back to his community and hometown.

“Being in North Lawndale on the West Side of Chicago, we find that our students have needs that the families have difficulty meeting. Our main priority is finding ways to alleviate that difficulty and provide the students with supplies, coats, hats, or gloves through various opportunities and partnerships,” said Roswell B. Mason Elementary School Principal Tonya Tolbert. “When this partnership came up with Enchanted Backpack, Treadmill Mentality Foundation and the Chicago Bulls, we were over the moon to accept it. Although our staff works hard to provide those necessary supplies to students, the more the better and we appreciate the help that this partnership has offered us.”

A product of the Lavin Family Foundation, Enchanted Backpack is a non-profit organization established to equip under-resourced elementary and middle school students and teachers with the tools they need to learn and excel in an exciting educational environment. Enchanted Backpack offers mobile van deliveries, donating school supplies, books, clothing, art supplies, recess equipment, board games and more to Chicagoland public, private and charter schools.&nbsp;Applications&nbsp;are accepted year-round.

“Enchanted Backpack was founded with the thought that all children and all communities deserve to have the same access to resources, and we found that this event would easily honor that commitment,” said Enchanted Backpack Co-Directors Jacob Mayer and Joe Froelich.&nbsp;“It's important that every kid has a good coat and the necessary supplies to learn and be successful. The natural partnership with Treadmill Mentality Foundation has been excellent in helping us continue our mission and we are grateful to partner with an amazing school located in between the neighborhood where Jevon grew up and United Center where he currently plays.”

Chicago winters can be long and cold, and winter essentials like coats can place a financial burden on families.&nbsp;Together, Enchanted Backpack, the Treadmill Mentality Foundation and the Bulls believe in the power of education to transform lives and enhance youth development in Chicago.&nbsp;By investing in education and providing students with necessities, the students have an increased opportunity to excel. The program aligns with the Chicago Bulls ongoing commitment to preventing community violence through education, community investment, health and wellness and opportunity access.

“To give back to these kids and the community means everything, especially being back home for me,” said Treadmill Mentality Foundation Co-Founder Jevon Carter. “Returning home was the&nbsp;whole reason Taylor and I started Treadmill Mentality Foundation. We wanted to give back to the community, experience the energy, put smiles on kids’ faces and let them know there's somebody else out there that looks just like them that came from the same city as them, encouraging them to dream big.”

Founded in 2023 as an ode to Carter’s time at West Virginia University, Treadmill Mentality Foundation is committed to enhancing the overall well-being of children and families through various community resources and initiatives. Under WVU Coach Bob Huggins, players acknowledged their mistakes with a 45-second, 18-mph treadmill sprint. After learning the goal of this punishment – to minimize mistakes and learn to maintain focus and perseverance, both on and off the court –&nbsp;Carter began living life with what he calls the Treadmill Mentality.

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Dressed by the Best for a Chicago Winter

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Photo Gallery: AMPT, Bulls, and PepsiCo Celebrate Project Elevate

CHICAGO – Together, the Chicago Bulls and PepsiCo, with the support of AMPT: Advancing Nonprofits, recently concluded Project Elevate, a six-week capacity-building program that provides local Black and Latiné-led nonprofit leaders with resources intended to expand their leadership skills and encourage professional development. A total of 42 nonprofits from Chicago’s South and West Sides had access to seven workshops, offering education on topics identified by nonprofits as important to growing their impact including branding, promotional video content, data and analytics, finance and more. The workshops were held at the United Center and PepsiCo’s Chicago headquarters in the Old Post Office and were hosted by Chicago Bulls and PepsiCo employees and executives, with resources and guides provided after in-person sessions.

“These capacity building workshops are incredibly impactful because they create access. Black and Brown leaders of small organizations don't often find themselves in spaces with corporate professionals, so to be able to access professionally curated learning spaces for free is a tremendous opportunity,” said ángela munguía, executive director of AMPT: Advancing Nonprofits. “When we think about impact, it's not just the number of organizations who participate, but it’s so much more widespread. We've had organizations bring their staff members to workshops, which creates a whole other level of growth. And that growth is felt in the communities they serve. It's developmental not only for the organization but also for people, and at AMPT, we believe that the people are at the center of everything.”

“It’s been an honor to be a part of the Project Elevate cohort. The Firehouse Dream is creative arts nonprofit, so learning how to more intentionally tell our brand story and how to create a pitch deck has given us the insights we needed to elevate our brand awareness,” said Jasmine Lopez, founder of The Firehouse Dream. “We have been able to learn from top experts in the field and ask questions based on our unique needs. Over the last 6 weeks I’ve also been able to foster deeper relationships with other organizations and with the Chicago Bulls and PepsiCo team.”

The nonprofits, along with AMPT, PepsiCo and the Bulls, celebrated the culmination of Project Elevate with a reception at the United Center, followed by attending the Bulls game against Brooklyn.&nbsp;

“Through this cohort, I’ve not only sharpened our ability to tell our story effectively but also learned that treating everyone with respect is the cornerstone of our leadership,” said Elaine Marthel, founder of Project Impact 180. “It's not just about attracting donors, it's about fostering genuine connections, making our narrative resonate and ensuring our actions reflect the true essence of our organization.”

Project Elevate is one of many touchpoints between the Bulls and PepsiCo, who announced a new partnership this summer. As both companies recognize social injustice in Chicago, they partnered to design a program to advance racial equality with local community organizations. In 2022, the Bulls piloted a similar project, focused on capacity building with local nonprofit organizations. This year, thanks to PepsiCo’s partnership, an expanded program emerged: Project Elevate. To extend the impact of this program, PepsiCo recently awarded AMPT with a $30,000 grant to continue its capacity-building work.

AMPT: Advancing Nonprofits is committed to strengthening the organizational health and support long-term development of small nonprofits on Chicago’s west and south sides while prioritizing Black- and Latine-led community organizations. Simultaneously, AMPT is working to transform philanthropy by addressing systemic racial inequities and serving as a model for anti-racist systems and processes. Learn more at www.amptchicago.org.

The Chicago Bulls are a global sports and entertainment organization that is part of the National Basketball Association. A professional basketball team founded in 1966, the Bulls have won six NBA championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) and become an iconic brand with a worldwide fan base, including more than 38 million followers across multiple social media platforms.

The Bulls take pride in championing inclusivity within the workplace and have a longstanding history of giving back to underserved communities across Chicago. Through Chicago Bulls Charities – the philanthropic arm of the organization – and the team’s Community Relations department, the Bulls contribute time, materials, resources and financial donations to organizations that align with the four pillars of its community violence prevention strategy: Education, Health and Wellness, Community Investment and Youth Opportunity Access.&nbsp;

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than&nbsp;$86 billion&nbsp;in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than&nbsp;$1 billion&nbsp;each in estimated annual retail sales.&nbsp;

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit&nbsp;www.pepsico.com, and follow on&nbsp;Twitter,&nbsp;Instagram,&nbsp;Facebook, and&nbsp;LinkedIn&nbsp;@PepsiCo.

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AMPT, Bulls, and PepsiCo Celebrate Project Elevate, Providing Resources to Help 42 Local Black and Latiné Nonprofits Expand Leadership and Professional Development

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